The L.A. Times music blog

Rock 'n' roll: 'Scott Pilgrim' launches with Beck-scored trailer

March 25, 2010 | 1:05
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One of the year's most anticipated geek films, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," may take its inspiration from a series of anime-inspired books by Bryan Lee O'Malley, but the graphic novels at their core are grounded in rock 'n' roll. Loaded with cartoon-ish fight scenes and a view of the world through a video game lens, the vision of "Scott Pilgrim" is one that throws out a lot of pop-culture references. But it's through music that its characters bond, grow some confidence and get comfortable with their misfit trappings.

A trailer for the much-anticipated fantasy-action-romance hit the Web today, debuting on the Apple site. For now, you can watch it after the jump. It moves fast, but it offers a glimpse of Michael Cera in the starring role, and his latest pink-haired girl obsession in Ramona V. Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Saddled with a fear of commitment, Cera has to engage in a series of exaggerated, kung-fu-like battles with Ramona's exes -- her baggage -- to win her heart.

There are scenes of Cera brandishing a guitar, but the full spectrum of music in the film is left largely to our imagination. Canadian synth-rockers Metric have a showcase cut in the film, and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich served as the film's music supervisor. Local audiences, however, will want to pay close attention to the scruffy guitar riffs that permeate the trailer. That's a peek into some of the original music for the film, which was crafted by Silver Lake alt-rock hero Beck.

Those paying close attention to the music will hear, a Universal spokeswoman confirms, a brand new cut from "Sex Bob-Omb!" There's two tracks in the trailer -- one more rootsy-pop, and one with harder-edged sound. Not familiar with Sex Bob-Omb? That's the fictional band that Cera's Pilgrim performs in. In real life, it's Beck. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" opens Aug. 13.

Watch the trailer below:

-- Todd Martens

Photo: Universal Pictures

Pop & Hiss has been covering the "Scott Pilgrim" film dating back to 2008. A sampling: